GE and USADF launch Off-Grid Energy Challenge in Nigeria

Thursday, 19 September 2013 12:57

The challenge will be part of Power Africa, an initiative of US President Barack Obama. (Image source: aflcio/Flickr)The US African Development Foundation (USADF) has teamed up with GE Africa to launch the Power Africa Off-Grid Energy Challenge in Abuja, Nigeria

The three-year, US$2mn initiative will award 20 or more grants of up to US$100,000 each to African companies and organisations providing off-grid solutions that deploy renewable resources and power economic activities.

The challenge will be part of Power Africa, the White House-led initiative to drive growth by increasing access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power by ensuring responsible, transparent and effective management of energy resources.

Nigeria and Kenya will be the first countries to benefit from the initiative but other countries like Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia may also be included in the next three years.

Speaking at a news briefing in Abuja to announce the call for proposals, GE Nigeria president and CEO Lazarus Angbazo said GE is proud to be associated with this initiative, which will benefit rural or urban populations in Nigeria and Kenya currently underserved by existing utility companies. He added that GE will be deeply involved in efforts to energise the power sector in these markets.